Semiconductor integrated circuit device and method of manufacturing the same

ABSTRACT

After formation of a lower electrode made of an Ru film over the side walls and bottom portion of a hole in a silicon oxide film wherein an information storage capacitive element is to be formed, a tantalum oxide film to be a capacitive insulating film is deposited by CVD over the lower electrode. In order to improve the quality of this tantalum oxide film, heat treatment of it is conducted in a mixed gas atmosphere of H 2 O (water vapor) and H 2  (hydrogen) while controlling a partial pressure ratio of H 2 O to H 2  to fall within a region surrounded by the graphs (a) and (c) of FIG. 15. This heat treatment makes it possible to improve the quality of the tantalum oxide film, while preventing oxidation of the Ru film constituting the lower electrode.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0001] The present invention relates to a semiconductor device and a method of manufacturing the same, particularly to a technique effective when applied to a semiconductor device, such as DRAM (Dynamic Random Access Memory), having a capacitive insulating film constituting an information storage capacitive element (capacitor).

[0002] The above-described DRAM has a memory cell selecting MISFET and an information storage capacitive element connected in series with this MISFET. This information storage capacitive element is formed, for example, by successively depositing silicon to be a lower electrode, tantalum oxide to be a capacitive insulating film and silicon to be an upper electrode.

[0003] For example, in Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. Hei 5(1993)-55464, disclosed is a method of forming a tantalum-tungsten film 12 containing tantalum over a polycrystalline silicon film (lower electrode) 11, selectively oxidizing this film in a gas mixture of hydrogen and water vapor and forming a charge storage insulating film 14 from the resulting tantalum oxide film.

[0004] In Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. Hei 7(1995)-169917, disclosed is a method of forming a tantalum oxide layer 5 over a high-concentration phosphorous-doped polycrystalline silicon (lower electrode) 3 and then crystallizing the tantalum oxide layer by first and second heat treatments.

[0005] In Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. Hei 7 (1995)-161934, disclosed is a method of forming a Ta₂O₅ film 5 as a capacitive insulating film over an Si-containing lower electrode (W film) 4, followed by heat treatment in an atmosphere of H₂ and water vapor.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0006] When silicon is employed for a lower electrode, however, a silicon oxide nitride film is formed on the interface between silicon and tantalum oxide upon crystallization of tantalum oxide to be formed over the lower electrode or heat treatment (at 700° C. in an oxygen atmosphere) of it for improving its quality, making it difficult to heighten a dielectric constant.

[0007] The present inventor has made a research and development of DRAM and carried out various investigations on the constitution and forming method of the above-described information storage capacitive element.

[0008] With a recent tendency to miniaturize a semiconductor integrated circuit device, the area of an information storage capacitive element tends to be smaller, making it difficult to maintain a desired capacitance. It therefore becomes necessary to study electrode materials or capacitive insulating film materials capable of attaining a large capacitance even if the capacitor has a small area.

[0009] The present inventor has carried out various investigations on the formation method of an Ru film adopted as a lower electrode of an information storage capacitive element, presuming that a platinum group metal such as Ru is suited for increasing capacitance because it does not form a film of a low dielectric constant such as oxide nitride film even by heat treatment after the Ru film is formed and in addition, the Ru film can be formed thin because it is a metal material.

[0010] When an Ru film is adopted as a lower electrode, however, a tantalum oxide film formed thereover is cracked owing to volumetric expansion caused by oxidation of the Ru film upon crystallization or heat treatment (at 700° C. in an oxygen atmosphere) for improving its film quality, resulting in a deterioration in the product yield.

[0011] The volumetric expansion caused by oxidation of the Ru film is not so severe as to cause deformation of the tantalum oxide film, but oxygen in the Ru film transfers even to a connecting portion (for example, plug) of the information storage capacitive element with the memory cell selecting MISFET and forms an oxide, causing conduction failure.

[0012] An object of the present invention is to provide a technique for preventing oxidation of a lower electrode due to crystallization of a capacitive insulating film or heat treatment for improving its film quality.

[0013] Another object of the invention is to provide a technique for forming a good-quality capacitive insulating film or lower electrode, thereby improving properties of the information storage capacitive element.

[0014] The above-described objects, the other objects and novel features of the present invention will be apparent from the description herein and accompanying drawings.

[0015] Of the inventions disclosed by the present application, representative ones will next be described.

[0016] 1. A method of manufacturing a semiconductor device according to one aspect of the present invention comprises (a) forming a first conductor over a semiconductor substrate, (b) forming a first insulating film over said first conductor, and (c) after said step (b), heat treating said semiconductor substrate in an atmosphere containing water and hydrogen.

[0017] 2. A method of manufacturing a semiconductor device according to another aspect of the present invention comprises (a) forming a first conductor over a semiconductor substrate, (b) forming a first insulating film over said first conductor and (c) heat treating said semiconductor substrate at 200 to 400° C. in an atmosphere containing water and hydrogen.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0018]FIG. 1 is a fragmentary cross-sectional view of a semiconductor substrate illustrating the manufacturing method of a semiconductor integrated circuit device according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention;

[0019]FIG. 2 is a fragmentary plane view of a semiconductor substrate illustrating the manufacturing method of a semiconductor integrated circuit device according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention;

[0020]FIG. 3 is a fragmentary cross-sectional view of a semiconductor substrate illustrating the manufacturing method of a semiconductor integrated circuit device according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention;

[0021]FIG. 4 is a fragmentary cross-sectional view of a semiconductor substrate illustrating the manufacturing method of a semiconductor integrated circuit device according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention;

[0022]FIG. 5 is a fragmentary cross-sectional view of a semiconductor substrate illustrating the manufacturing method of a semiconductor integrated circuit device according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention;

[0023]FIG. 6 is a fragmentary cross-sectional view of a semiconductor substrate illustrating the manufacturing method of a semiconductor integrated circuit device according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention;

[0024]FIG. 7 is a fragmentary cross-sectional view of a semiconductor substrate illustrating the manufacturing method of a semiconductor integrated circuit device according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention;

[0025]FIG. 8 is a fragmentary cross-sectional view of a semiconductor substrate illustrating the manufacturing method of a semiconductor integrated circuit device according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention;

[0026]FIG. 9 is a fragmentary cross-sectional view of a semiconductor substrate illustrating the manufacturing method of a semiconductor integrated circuit device according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention;

[0027]FIG. 10 is a fragmentary cross-sectional view of a semiconductor substrate illustrating the manufacturing method of a semiconductor integrated circuit device according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention;

[0028]FIG. 11 is a fragmentary cross-sectional view of a semiconductor substrate illustrating the manufacturing method of a semiconductor integrated circuit device according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention;

[0029]FIG. 12 is a fragmentary cross-sectional view of a semiconductor substrate illustrating the manufacturing method of a semiconductor integrated circuit device according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention;

[0030]FIG. 13 is a fragmentary cross-sectional view of a semiconductor substrate illustrating the manufacturing method of a semiconductor integrated circuit device according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention;

[0031]FIG. 14 is a fragmentary cross-sectional view of a semiconductor substrate illustrating the manufacturing method of a semiconductor integrated circuit device according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention;

[0032]FIG. 15 illustrates a partial pressure ratio of H₂O to H₂ upon heat treatment of a tantalum oxide film;

[0033]FIG. 16 illustrates a partial pressure ratio of H₂O to H₂ upon heat treatment of a tantalum oxide film;

[0034]FIG. 17 is a fragmentary cross-sectional view of a semiconductor substrate illustrating the manufacturing method of a semiconductor integrated circuit device according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention;

[0035]FIG. 18 is a fragmentary plane view of a semiconductor substrate illustrating the manufacturing method of a semiconductor integrated circuit device according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention;

[0036]FIG. 19 is a fragmentary cross-sectional view of a semiconductor substrate illustrating the manufacturing method of a semiconductor integrated circuit device according to Embodiment 2 of the present invention;

[0037]FIG. 20 is a fragmentary cross-sectional view of a semiconductor substrate illustrating the manufacturing method of a semiconductor integrated circuit device according to Embodiment 2 of the present invention;

[0038]FIG. 21 is a fragmentary cross-sectional view of a semiconductor substrate illustrating the manufacturing method of a semiconductor integrated circuit device according to Embodiment 3 of the present invention;

[0039]FIG. 22 is a fragmentary cross-sectional view of a semiconductor substrate illustrating the manufacturing method of a semiconductor integrated circuit device according to Embodiment 3 of the present invention;

[0040]FIG. 23 is a fragmentary cross-sectional view of a semiconductor substrate illustrating the manufacturing method of a semiconductor integrated circuit device according to Embodiment 4 of the present invention;

[0041]FIG. 24 is a fragmentary cross-sectional view of a semiconductor substrate illustrating the manufacturing method of a semiconductor integrated circuit device according to Embodiment 4 of the present invention; and

[0042]FIG. 25 is a fragmentary cross-sectional view of a semiconductor substrate illustrating the manufacturing method of a semiconductor integrated circuit device according to Embodiment 4 of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0043] Embodiments of the present invention will hereinafter be described specifically based on accompanying drawings. Incidentally, throughout all the drawings for explaining these embodiments, like members having the same function will be identified by like reference numerals and overlapping descriptions will be omitted.

[0044] (Embodiment 1)

[0045] A manufacturing method of the DRAM according to this embodiment will next be described in the order of steps based on FIGS. 1 to 18.

[0046] As illustrated in FIG. 1, an element isolation 2 was formed in an element isolation region on the principal surface of a semiconductor substrate 1 made of, for example, p type single crystal silicon. Simultaneously with the formation of the element isolation 2, elongate island-shape active regions (L), as illustrated in FIG. 2, surrounded at the periphery thereof with the element isolation 2 are formed. In each of these active regions (L), two memory cell selecting MISFETQs having, in common, one of a source and a drain are formed.

[0047] The element isolation 2 is formed in the following manner. The surface of the semiconductor substrate 1 is etched to form a groove of about 300 to 400 nm deep and then a thin silicon oxide film is formed therein. After deposition of a silicon oxide film 4 (about 600 nm thick) by CVD (Chemical Vapor Deposition) over the semiconductor substrate 1 including the inside of this groove, the silicon oxide film 4 is polished back by chemical mechanical polishing (CMP), whereby the element isolation 2 is formed.

[0048] By ion implantation of B (boron) into the semiconductor substrate 1, a p-type well 3 is formed. After washing the surface of the p type well 3 with an HF (hydrofluoric acid) washing liquid, the semiconductor substrate 1 is thermally oxidized, whereby a gate insulating film 5 of about 6 nm thick is formed on the surface of the p type well 3 (active region L).

[0049] As illustrated in FIG. 3, a gate electrode 6 is formed over the gate insulating film 5. The gate electrode 6 is formed by successively depositing, for example, an n type polycrystalline silicon film (about 70 nm thick) having P (phosphorous) doped therein, a barrier metal film (about 5 nm to 10 nm thick) made of WN (tungsten nitride) or TiN (titanium nitride), a W film (tungsten film, about 100 nm thick) and a silicon nitride film 7 (about 150 nm thick) over the gate insulating film 5, followed by dry etching of these films with a photoresist film (not illustrated) as a mask. The polycrystalline silicon film and silicon nitride film 7 are deposited by CVD, while the barrier metal film and W film are deposited by sputtering. The gate electrode 6 functions as a word line (WL). Wet hydrogen oxidation is then carried out to form a thin silicon oxide film over the side walls of the n-type polycrystalline silicon film constituting the gate electrode 6. By this wet hydrogen oxidation, an oxide film can be formed selectively over silicon.

[0050] By ion implantation of As (arsenic) or P (phosphorous) to the p type well 3, n type semiconductor regions 8 (source, drain) are formed, as illustrated in FIG. 4, in the p type well 3 existing on both sides of the gate electrode 6. By the steps so far described, formation of a memory cell selecting MISFETQs is substantially completed.

[0051] A silicon nitride film 9 (50 nm thick) and a silicon oxide film 10 (about 600 nm thick) are then deposited by CVD over the semiconductor substrate 1. After planarization of the surface of the silicon oxide film 10 by chemical mechanical polishing, the silicon oxide film 10 and silicon nitride film 9 are dry etched with a photoresist film (not illustrated) as a mask, whereby contact holes 11,12 are formed over the n type semiconductor regions 8 (source, drain) of the memory cell selecting MISFETQs. The etching of the silicon oxide film 10 is carried out under conditions of a higher etching selectivity relative to the silicon nitride film, while etching of the silicon nitride film 9 is conducted under conditions of a higher etching selectivity relative to silicon or the silicon oxide film. By the above-described dry etching, the contact holes 11,12 are formed in self alignment with the gate electrode 6 (word line).

[0052] As illustrated in FIG. 5, a plug 13 is formed inside of the contact holes 11,12. This plug 13 is formed by depositing an n type polycrystalline silicon film, which has been doped with P (phosphorous), over the silicon oxide film 10 by CVD, thereby embedding this n type polycrystailine silicon film inside of the contact holes 11,12 and then removing the n type polycrystalline silicon film from the outside of the contact holes 11,12 by chemical mechanical polishing (or by etch back). Impurities (phosphorous) in the plug 13 are then heat treated to diffuse them in the n type semiconductor regions 8 (source, drain), whereby a contact resistance of the n type semiconductor regions 8 (source, drain) with the plug 13 is reduced.

[0053] After deposition of a silicon oxide film 14 (about 150 nm thick) over the silicon oxide film 10 by CVD, the silicon oxide film 14 over the contact hole 11 is dry etched with a photoresist film (not illustrated) as a mask, whereby a through-hole 15 is formed.

[0054] A plug 16 is then formed inside of the through-hole 15. This plug 16 is formed, for example, by depositing a barrier metal film made of a laminate of a Ti film and a TiN film by sputtering, depositing a W film by CVD over the barrier metal film, thereby embedding these films inside of the through-hole 15 and removing these films from the outside of the through-hole 15 by chemical mechanical polishing. Via these plugs 16 and 13, the n type semiconductor regions 8 (source, drain) of the memory cell selecting MISFETQs and a bit line which will be described later are connected.

[0055] A bit line BL is then formed over the silicon oxide film 14 and plug 16. This bit line BL is formed, for example, by depositing a TiN film (about 10 nm thick, not illustrated) over the silicon oxide film 14 by sputtering, depositing a W film (about 50 nm thick) over the TiN film by CVD and then dry etching these films with a photoresist film (not illustrated) as a mask.

[0056] As illustrated in FIG. 6, a silicon oxide film 17 (about 300 nm thick) is deposited over the bit line BL by CVD, followed by planarization of the surface of the film by chemical mechanical polishing. Over the silicon oxide film 17, a silicon nitride film 18 (about 50 nm thick) is then deposited by CVD.

[0057] The silicon nitride film 18 and silicon oxide film 17 are dry etched, whereby a through-hole 19 is formed over the contact hole 12 having the plug 13 embedded therein.

[0058] The through-hole 19 is formed to have a smaller diameter than the diameter of the contact hole 12 lying thereunder. In this case, the diameter of the through-hole is adjusted to about 0.1 μm. Described specifically, a polycrystalline silicon film 20 is deposited over the silicon nitride film 18 by CVD, followed by dry etching of the polycrystalline silicon film 20 from a region wherein the through-hole 19 is to be formed, whereby a hole (about 0.18 μm in diameter) is formed. Over the polycrystalline silicon film 20, another polycrystalline silicon film (not illustrated) is deposited. The another polycrystalline silicon film over the polycrystalline silicon film 20 is anisotropically etched, whereby side wall spacers 21 are formed over the side walls of the hole. Then, with the polycrystalline silicon film 20 and side wall spacers 21 as hard masks, the silicon nitride film 18 and silicon oxide films 17,14 are dry etched from the bottom surface of the hole.

[0059] After removal of the polycrystalline silicon film 20 and side wall spacers 21 by dry etching, a plug 22 is formed inside of the through-hole 19 as illustrated in FIG. 7. This plug 22 is formed by depositing an n type polycrystalline silicon film having P doped therein over the silicon nitride film 18 by CVD, thereby embedding the n type polycrystalline silicon film inside of the through-hole 19, and then removing the n type polycrystalline silicon film from the outside of the through-hole 19 by chemical mechanical polishing (or by etch back). At this time, the polycrystalline silicon film is over-polished (or over-etched) to make the surface height of the plug 22 lower than the upper end portion of the through-hole 19.

[0060] As illustrated in FIG. 8, a barrier layer 23 is then formed over the plug 22. This barrier layer 23 is formed by depositing a WN film over the silicon nitride film 18 by sputtering and then removing the WN film outside of the through-hole 19 by chemical mechanical polishing (or by dry etching). The barrier layer 23 is formed to prevent occurrence of an undesired silicide reaction between Ru (ruthenium) constituting the lower electrode 30A and polycrystalline silicon constituting the plug 22. This barrier layer 23 may be formed of a W film or a TaN (tantalum nitride) film.

[0061] Over the plug 22, an information storage capacitive element (capacitor) C having a lower electrode 30A made of an Ru film 20, a capacitive insulating film made of a tantalum oxide film 32 and an upper electrode 33 made of a W film/Ru film is then formed.

[0062] The formation steps of this information storage capacitive element C will next be described specifically with reference to FIGS. 9 to 17. These drawings are schematic views illustrating a region over the plug 22 wherein the information storage capacitive element (capacitor) C is to be formed.

[0063] As illustrated in FIG. 9, a silicon oxide film 24 is deposited over the barrier layer 23 and silicon nitride film 18. A lower electrode of the information storage capacitive element C is formed inside of a hole (recess) to be formed in the silicon oxide film 24. It is necessary to deposit the silicon oxide film 24 to be thick (about 0.8 μm) in order to increase the surface area of the lower electrode, thereby raising the storage charge amount. This silicon oxide film 24 is deposited, for example, by plasma CVD using oxygen and tetraethoxysilane (TEOS) as source gases and then its surface is planarized by chemical mechanical polishing as needed.

[0064] Over the silicon oxide film 24, a W film of about 200 nm thick is then deposited by sputtering. An antireflective film is then applied to the upper portion of the W film, whereby a hard mask 26 is formed. The etching selectivity of the silicon oxide film 24 to this hard mask 26 (W film) is higher than that to a photoresist film so that the hard mask is used as a mask upon etching of the thick silicon oxide film 24.

[0065] As illustrated in FIG. 10, a photoresist film (not illustrated) is formed over the hard mask 26. With this photoresist film as a mask, the hard mask 26 is dry etched. The silicon oxide film 24 is dry etched with the hard mask 26 as a mask, whereby a deep hole (recess) 27 is formed. From the bottom surface of the deep hole (recess) 27, the surface of the barrier layer 23 in the through-hole 19 is exposed.

[0066] After removal of the hard mask 26 which has remained over the silicon oxide film 24 by using a solution containing aqueous hydrogen peroxide, a WN film 29 (about 15 nm thick) is deposited by sputtering over the silicon oxide film 24 and inside of the hole 27 as illustrated in FIG. 11. This WN film 29 is used as an adhesive layer because of excellent adhesion with the underlying silicon oxide film 24 or an Ru film 30 which will be described later. If the adhesion of the silicon oxide film 24 with the Ru film 30 is secured by adopting a proper film formation method or proper conditions for the Ru film 30 which will be described later, a formation step of this adhesive layer can be omitted.

[0067] As illustrated in FIG. 12, the Ru film 30 (about 30 nm thick) is deposited by CVD over the WN film 29. Prior to deposition of the Ru film by CVD, an Ru film (not illustrated) of about 15 nm thick is formed by sputtering. The film formed by sputtering serves as a seed for efficient growth of the Ru film 30 by CVD.

[0068] This Ru film 30 can be formed by CVD by using, for example, a tetrahydrofuran solution of ethylcyclopentadienylruthenium (Ru(C₂H₅C₅H₄)₂) and O₂ (oxygen) as raw materials. Alternatively, it can be formed using Ru(HFAC)₃ which is a complex compound of Ru and hexafluoroacetylacetone (CF₃COCH₂COCF₃), H₂O (water vapor) and H₂ (hydrogen) as raw materials. The term “HFAC” means (CF₃COCH₂COCF₃)^(—). Then, in a nitrogen gas atmosphere, the Ru film 30 is densified by heat treatment at 700° C. for 1 minute.

[0069] As illustrated in FIG. 13, a photoresist film (not illustrated) is applied to the Ru film 30, followed by whole surface exposure and development, whereby the photoresist film (not illustrated) is left in the hole 27. In the subsequent step for removing an unnecessary portion of the Ru film 30 over the silicon oxide film 24 by dry etching, this photoresist film serves as a film for protecting the Ru film 30 from being removed from the inside (on the side walls and bottom surface) of the hole 27. By dry etching with this photoresist film as a mask, the Ru film 30 over the silicon oxide film 24 is removed, whereby a lower electrode 30A is formed. Then, the photoresist film is removed from the inside of the hole 27.

[0070] Inside of the hole 27 having the lower electrode 30A formed therein and over the silicon oxide film 24, a tantalum oxide film 32 of about 10 nm thick which will be a capacitive insulating film (capacitor insulating film) is deposited. This tantalum oxide film 32 is deposited by CVD using pentaethoxytantalum (Ta(OC₂H₅)₅) and oxygen as raw materials.

[0071] The tantalum oxide film 32 deposited by CVD is in the amorphous form and therefore becomes a cause for increasing leakage current. In order to improve the quality of the tantalum oxide film 32, it is heat treated (annealed). By this heat treatment, the tantalum oxide film 32 is crystallized and becomes a tantalum oxide film 32 a (FIG. 14). This heat treatment is also effective for repairing the defects in the tantalum oxide film, thereby reducing leakage current.

[0072] This heat treatment is carried out in a mixed gas atmosphere of H₂O (water vapor) and H₂ (hydrogen), for example, at 700° C.

[0073] As described above, in this Embodiment, heat treatment for improving the quality of the tantalum oxide film 32 is conducted in a mixed gas atmosphere of H₂O and H₂ so that oxidation of a metal layer (for example, lower electrode (Ru), WN film (adhesive layer) or barrier layer (WN film)) lying under the tantalum oxide film 32 can be prevented by controlling the partial pressure ratio of this H₂O to H₂.

[0074] The control of this partial pressure ratio of H₂O to H₂ ([H₂O]/[H₂]) will next be explained.

[0075]FIG. 15(a) is a graph illustrating the logarithm of equilibrium constant k under the equilibrium of System 1 (RuO₂+H₂) and System 2 (Ru+H₂O) plotted as a function of reaction temperature. It is expressed by log k=log [[HO]_(eq1)/[H₂]_(eq1)] wherein [H₂O]_(eq1) stands for a partial pressure of H₂O under the equilibrium and [H₂]_(eq1) stands for a partial pressure of H₂ under the equilibrium.

[0076]FIG. 15(c) is a graph illustrating the logarithm of equilibrium constant k under the equilibrium of System 1 (Ta₂O₅+H₂) and System 2 (Ta+H₂O) plotted as a function of reaction temperature. It is expressed by log k=log [[H₂O]_(eq2)/[H₂]_(eq2)] wherein [H₂O_(eq2) represents a partial pressure of H₂O under the equilibrium and [H₂]_(eq2) represents a partial pressure of H₂ under the equilibrium. Such an equilibrium constant k can be determined from a difference (ΔG) of the Gibbs free energy between System 1 and System 2.

[0077] Under the conditions permitting existence of the partial pressure ratio below this graph (c), equilibrium moves in a direction to reduce Ta₂O₅ so that upon heat treatment of the tantalum oxide film 32, it is necessary to control the partial pressure ratio of H₂O to H₂ falling within a region above the graph FIG. 15(c).

[0078] Under the conditions permitting existence of the partial pressure ratio above the graph (a) of FIG. 15, equilibrium moves in a direction to oxidize Ru so that upon heat treatment of the tantalum oxide film 32, it is necessary to control the partial pressure ratio of H₂O to H₂ falling within a region below the graph (a) of FIG. 15.

[0079] Heat treatment of the tantalum oxide film 32 while controlling the partial pressure ratio of H₂O to H₂ to lie in a region surrounded by the graph (b) and graph (c) of FIG. 15 makes it possible to prevent oxidation of a lower electrode (Ru film) and at the same time, improve the quality of the tantalum oxide film 32. For example, when heat treatment is conducted at 700° C., the partial pressure ratio of H₂O to H₂ (log {[H₂O]/[H₂]}) becomes −6.71 <log {[H₂O]/[H₂]})<6.98.

[0080] Heat treatment at 500° C. or greater is preferred for crystallization of the tantalum oxide film 32.

[0081] According to this embodiment, heat treatment for improving the quality of the tantalum oxide film 32 is conducted in a mixed gas atmosphere of H₂O and H₂ under conditions so that the partial pressure ratio of H₂O to H₂ ([H₂O]/H₂]) will be greater than ([H₂O]_(eq1)/[H₂]_(eq1)) but smaller than ([H₂O]_(eq2)/[H₂]_(eq2)) at the corresponding heat treatment temperature. It is therefore possible to improve the quality of the tantalum oxide film 32 while preventing oxidation of a lower electrode (Ru film).

[0082] This makes it possible to reduce volumetric expansion which will otherwise occur upon this heat treatment owing to oxidation of the lower electrode (Ru film), thereby preventing breakage of the tantalum oxide film 32 a. In addition, an oxygen amount in the lower electrode (Ru film) can be reduced, resulting in suppression of a dispersion amount of this oxygen in the lower electrode 30A (Ru film), WN film 29 (adhesive layer) and barrier layer 23 (WN film) each lying below the tantalum oxide film 32. Accordingly, conduction failure which will otherwise be caused by an oxide film formed at these sites can be reduced. This heat treatment is particularly effective when applied to a minute semiconductor device having a small-diameter plug 22 as in this embodiment.

[0083]FIG. 16(b) is a graph illustrating the logarithm of equilibrium constant k under the equilibrium of System 1 (WO₂+H₂) and System 2 (W+H₂O) plotted as a function of reaction temperature. It lies below the above-described graph (a). As described above, it is expressed by log k=log [[H₂O]_(eq13)/[H₂]_(eq3)] wherein [H₂O_(eq3)] stands for a partial pressure of H₂O under the equilibrium and [H₂]_(eq3) stands for a partial pressure of H₂ under the equilibrium. Such an equilibrium constant k can be determined from a difference (ΔG) of the Gibbs free energy between System 1 and System 2.

[0084] Heat treatment of the tantalum oxide film 32 while controlling the partial pressure ratio of H₂O to H₂ to lie in a region surrounded by the graph (b) and graph (c) of FIG. 16 makes it possible to prevent oxidation of the lower electrode (Ru film) or the WN film and at the same time, improve the quality of the tantalum oxide film 32. For example, when heat treatment is conducted at 700° C., the partial pressure ratio of H₂O to H₂ (log {[H₂O]/[H₂]}) becomes −6.71<log {[H₂O]/[H₂]})<−0.6.

[0085] This makes it possible to reduce volumetric expansion which will otherwise occur upon heat treatment owing to the oxidation of the lower electrode (Ru film), thereby preventing the breakage of the tantalum oxide film 32. In addition, an oxygen amount in the lower electrode (Ru film) and WN films (29,23) can be decreased, resulting in a reduction in the conduction failure which will otherwise occur owing to an oxide film formed at these sites.

[0086] As illustrated in FIG. 17, an upper electrode 33 is formed over the tantalum oxide film 32. This upper electrode 33 is formed, for example, by depositing an Ru film 33 a (about 70 nm thick) and a W film 33 b (about 100 nm thick) over the tantalum oxide film 32 by CVD. The Ru film 33 a and Ru film 30 are formed simultaneously. The W film 33 b serves to reduce a contact resistance between the upper electrode 33 and upper interconnects.

[0087] By the steps so far described, the information storage capacitive element C having the lower electrode 30A made of the Ru film 30, the capacitive insulating film made of the tantalum oxide film 32 and the upper electrode 33 made of the W film 33 b/Ru film 33 a is completed and a memory cell of DRAM having the memory cell selecting MISFETQs and the information storage capacitive element C connected in series therewith is substantially completed. FIG. 18 is a plane view of a semiconductor integrated circuit device after formation of the information storage capacitive element C. FIG. 8 corresponds to, for example, a cross-sectional view taken along a line A-A of FIG. 18.

[0088] Over the information storage capacitive element C, an interlayer dielectric film 34 made of silicon oxide is formed. An Al interconnect made of about two layers is formed over the interlayer dielectric film. Over the Al interconnect which is the top layer, a passivation film is formed, but its illustration is omitted.

[0089] In this embodiment, as described above in detail, heat treatment for improving the quality of the tantalum oxide film 32 is conducted in a mixed atmosphere of H₂O and H₂ so that oxidation of metal layers (such as lower electrode (Ru), WN film (adhesive layer) and barrier layer (WN film)) lying below the tantalum oxide film 32 can be prevented by controlling the partial pressure ratio of this H₂O to H₂.

[0090] Particularly when heat treatment of the tantalum oxide film 32 is conducted while controlling the partial pressure ratio of H₂O to H₂ within a region surrounded by the graph (a) and graph (c) of FIG. 15, it is possible to prevent oxidation of the lower electrode (Ru film) while improving the quality of the tantalum oxide film 32.

[0091] When heat treatment of the tantalum oxide film 32 is conducted while controlling the partial pressure ratio of H₂O to H₂ within a region surrounded by the graph (b) and graph (c) of FIG. 16, it is possible to improve the quality of the tantalum oxide film 32, while preventing oxidation of the lower electrode (Ru film) and WN film.

[0092] As a result, volumetric expansion which will otherwise occur owing to oxidation of the lower electrode (Ru film) upon heat treatment can be reduced, thereby preventing breakage of the tantalum oxide film 32 a. In addition, an oxygen amount in the Ru film and WN film can be decreased, making it possible to reduce conduction failure which will otherwise be caused by an oxide film formed at these sites.

[0093] Moreover, properties of the information storage capacitive element C can be improved and as a result, properties of the memory cell can be improved. In a miniaturized memory cell structure, a desired capacitance can be maintained.

[0094] In this embodiment, the lower electrode is formed using Ru, but instead, a platinum group metal such as Ir (iridium), Pd (palladium), Rh (rhodium) or Pt (platinum), or copper may be used.

[0095] In this embodiment, a tantalum oxide film is used as the capacitive insulating film, but instead, an oxide film such as Al₂O₃, BST (Ba_(x)Sr_(1-x)TiO₃), TiO₂, HfO₂, ZrO₂, BaTiO₃ or SrTiO₃ may be used.

[0096] In this embodiment, a WN film is used as the barrier layer, but instead, TaN, TiN, TiW, W, MoN or Mo may be used.

[0097] When a tantalum oxide film is used as the capacitive insulating film and TaN is used as the barrier layer, it is considered difficult to carry out heat treatment for improving quality of the tantalum oxide film while preventing oxidation of the barrier layer (TaN film). With regards to Ti, TiN, Ta and TaN, these films containing Ti or Ta are easier to oxidize or equally easy to oxidize compared with Ta so that when a tantalum oxide film is used as the capacitive insulating film, use of WN, W, MoN or Mo is preferred as the barrier layer.

[0098] Thus, a metal which is not easier to oxidize than the metal in the capacitive insulating film must be selected as needed and used as the barrier layer. Here, the term “not easier to oxidize” means that, in a graph as illustrated in FIG. 15, the graph of the metal in the capacitive insulating film lies below the graph of the metal in the barrier layer. This relationship also applies to not only the barrier layer but also the lower electrode or adhesive layer lying below the capacitive insulating film.

[0099] By selecting such a metal properly, the partial pressure ratio of H₂O to H₂ upon heat treatment in a mixed gas atmosphere of H₂O and H₂ for improving the quality of the capacitive insulating film can be controlled to prevent oxidation of a metal layer (ex. lower electrode, adhesive layer or barrier layer) lying under the capacitive insulating film.

[0100] (Embodiment 2)

[0101] In Embodiment 1, the plug 22 is formed by embedding an n type polycrystalline silicon film inside of the through-hole 19 and then, the barrier layer 23 made of a WN film is made over the plug. The plug and the barrier layer may each have a constitution as described below.

[0102] A manufacturing method of DRAM according to this embodiment will next be described. Steps until the formation of a through-hole 19 by dry etching of a silicon nitride film 18 and silicon oxide films 17,14 are similar to the steps of Embodiment 1 as described with reference to FIGS. 1 to 6, so that a description of overlapping steps is omitted. In this embodiment, a description will be made with reference to a schematic view of an information storage capacitive element C to be formed in the vicinity of and over a plug formed inside of the through-hole 19.

[0103] As illustrated in FIG. 19, a plug 222 is formed inside of the through-hole 19. This plug 222 is formed by depositing a barrier metal film 221 made of a laminate of a Ti film and a TiN film, for example, by sputtering over the silicon nitride film 18 including the inside of the through-hole 19, depositing a W film 222 over the barrier metal film by CVD, thereby embedding these films inside of the through-hole 19, and then removing these films from the outside of the through-hole 19 by chemical mechanical polishing. The through-hole 19 is formed in a silicon nitride film 18, silicon oxide film 17 and silicon oxide film 14 and from its bottom, a plug 13 made of an n type polycrystalline silicon film is exposed. The barrier metal film 221 serves to prevent occurrence of an undesired silicide reaction between the W film constituting the plug 222 and polycrystalline silicon constituting the plug 13.

[0104] As illustrated in FIG. 20, an information storage capacitive element (capacitor) C having a lower electrode 20A made of an Ru film 20, a capacitive insulating film made of a tantalum oxide film 32 and an upper electrode 33 made of a W film/Ru film is formed over the plug 222. This information storage capacitive element C is formed in a similar manner to the steps of Embodiment 1 described with reference to FIGS. 9 to 17 so that explanation of its formation steps is omitted.

[0105] In this embodiment, as described in detail, heat treatment for improving the quality of the tantalum oxide film 32 is conducted as in Embodiment 1 so that oxidation of a metal layer (ex. lower electrode (Ru), WN film (adhesive layer) or barrier layer (WN film)) lying below the tantalum oxide film 32 can be prevented.

[0106] Moreover, the plug 222 is formed of a W film, making it possible to increase the distance from the tantalum oxide film 32 to a silicon film (plug 13 in this case), thereby preventing oxidation of the silicon film.

[0107] In this embodiment, distance D from the tantalum oxide film 32 to the surface of the plug 13 can be secured (FIG. 20). In Embodiment 1 (FIG. 17), on the other hand, the distance between the tantalum oxide film 32 to the surface of the silicon film (plug 22 in the case of FIG. 17) is not greater than D.

[0108] Since silicon (Si) is a metal which is easier to oxidize than a film (for example, lower electrode (Ru), WN film (adhesive layer, plug (W film) 222 or barrier layer (Ti film, TiN film)) sandwiched between the tantalum oxide film 32 and plug 13, oxygen incorporated at such a site diffuses throughout this site and binds with a metal (Si) which is oxidized most easily, bringing about stabilization.

[0109] On the interface between the silicon film and such a site, an oxide film tends to be formed. By the use of a W film for the plug 222 in this embodiment, however, the distance between the tantalum oxide film 32 to the silicon film (plug 13 in this case) can be increased, whereby oxidation of the silicon film can be prevented.

[0110] As a result, in addition to the advantages as described in Embodiment 1, this embodiment makes it possible to reduce conduction failure due to formation of an oxide film in the plug 13.

[0111] In this embodiment, the plug 222 is formed of a W film, but instead, WN, TaN, TiN, TiW, W, MoN or Mo may be used.

[0112] (Embodiment 3)

[0113] In Embodiment 2, a W film is used for forming the plug 222. Si may be incorporated in this plug 222.

[0114] A description will next be made of a manufacturing method of DRAM according to this embodiment. Steps of this embodiment other than the formation of a plug 322 are similar to the steps of Embodiment 2 and steps of Embodiment 1 cited in Embodiment 2 so that a description of the overlapping steps is omitted.

[0115] As illustrated in FIG. 21, a barrier metal film 221 made of a laminate of a Ti film and a TiN film is deposited over the silicon nitride film 18 including the inside of the through-hole 19, for example, by sputtering, followed by deposition of a W film over the barrier metal film by CVD. At this time, film formation is conducted by CVD using SiH₄ and WF₆ as raw materials in order to incorporate Si in the W film. The content of this Si is set at 50% or less. These films are removed from the outside of the through-hole 19 by chemical mechanical polishing, whereby the plug 322 is formed.

[0116] As illustrated in FIG. 22, an information storage capacitive element (capacitor) C having a lower electrode 30A made of an Ru film 30, a capacitive insulating film made of a tantalum oxide film 32 and an upper electrode 33 made of a W film/Ru film is then formed over the plug 322.

[0117] According to this embodiment, heat treatment for improving the quality of the tantalum oxide film 32 is conducted as in Embodiment 1 so that oxidation of a metal layer (for example, lower electrode (Ru), WN film (adhesive layer) or a barrier layer (WN film)) lying below the tantalum oxide film 32 can be prevented.

[0118] Since the plug 322 is formed of an Si-containing W film, even if oxygen or a compound of oxygen diffuses in the plug 322, Si in the W film can trap this oxygen, thereby preventing oxidation of the W film. Si exists in the W film in the dotted form, so even if it traps oxygen and forms its oxide, it does not take a film form, making it possible to secure conduction of the plug 322.

[0119] As a result, in addition to the advantage as described in Embodiment 1, conduction failure of the plug 322 can be reduced.

[0120] In this embodiment, for the formation of the plug 322, a W film is used, but instead, WN, TaN, TiN, TiW, W, MoN or Mo may be used.

[0121] As a trapping metal, a metal easy to oxidize such as Al, Hf, Zr or Ti may be used instead of Si.

[0122] Since whether a metal is easier to oxidize or not is determined relatively, a metal which is easier to oxidize than a metal constituting the plug 322 may be used as a trapping metal.

[0123] (Embodiment 4)

[0124] In Embodiments 1 to 3, heat treatment for crystallizing the tantalum oxide film is conducted in a mixed gas atmosphere of H₂O and H₂ while controlling the partial pressure ratio of H₂O to H₂. Alternatively, heat treatment of the tantalum oxide film may be conducted in the following manner.

[0125] A description will next be made of a manufacturing method of DRAM according to this embodiment. Steps other than formation of a tantalum oxide film and heat treatment for improving the quality of the tantalum oxide film are conducted as in Embodiment 1 so that explanation of overlapping steps is omitted.

[0126] As illustrated in FIG. 23, a tantalum oxide film 32 of about 10 nm thick, which will be a capacitive insulating film, is deposited inside of a hole 27 having a lower electrode 30A formed therein and over a silicon oxide film 24. This tantalum oxide film 32 is deposited by CVD using pentaethoxytantalum (Ta(OC₂H₅)₅) and oxygen as raw materials.

[0127] The quality of the tantalum oxide film 32 deposited by CVD is improved by heat treatment (annealing) at 200 to 400° C. At this time, the heat treatment of the tantalum oxide film 32 is conducted, while controlling the partial pressure ratio of H₂O to H₂ to fall within a region corresponding to a temperature range of from 200 to 400° C., of the region surrounded by the graph (b) and graph (C) of FIG. 15 as described in Embodiment 1.

[0128] By the heat treatment within such a temperature range, crystallization of the tantalum oxide film does not occur, but leakage current can be made lower than that of the tantalum oxide film before heat treatment and its film quality can be improved. The tantalum oxide film after heat treatment is designated as 432 a (FIG. 24).

[0129] As illustrated in FIG. 25, an upper electrode 33 made of W film/Ru film and interlayer dielectric film 34 are then formed.

[0130] In this embodiment, as described above, heat treatment for improving the quality of the tantalum oxide film 32 is conducted at a relatively low temperature while controlling the partial pressure ratio of H₂O to H₂ to fall within a region surrounded by the graph (b) and graph (c) of FIG. 15 as described in Embodiment 1, so that the oxidation of a metal layer (ex. lower electrode (Ru film), WN film (adhesive layer) or a barrier layer (WN film)) lying below the tantalum oxide film can be reduced.

[0131] Alternatively, heat treatment of the tantalum oxide film 32 may be effected while controlling the partial pressure ratio of H₂O to H₂ to fall within a region corresponding to a temperature range of 200 to 400° C. in the region surrounded by the graph (b) and (c) of FIG. 16. As the constitution of the plug 22 and barrier layer 23 in FIG. 25, that described in Embodiment 2 or 3 may be adopted.

[0132] Inventions made by the present inventor were so far described specifically based on some embodiments. It should however be borne in mind that the present invention is not limited to them but can be modified within an extent not departing from the scope of the invention.

[0133] The following is a simple description of the effects available from the typical inventions of those disclosed by the present application.

[0134] Heat treatment for improving the quality of the capacitive insulating film constituting the information storage capacitive element is conducted in a mixed gas atmosphere of H₂O and H₂ while controlling a partial pressure ratio of this H₂O and H₂ so that oxidation of a metal layer (ex. lower electrode) below this capacitive insulating film can be prevented.

[0135] Moreover, volumetric expansion due to oxidation of the lower electrode can be reduced, whereby breakage of the capacitive insulating film can be prevented. An oxygen amount in the metal below the capacitive insulating film can be decreased, whereby conduction failure which will otherwise be caused by an oxide film formed at these sites can be reduced.

[0136] Furthermore, it is possible to improve the properties of the information storage capacitive element, thereby improving the properties of the memory cell. Even in a miniaturized memory cell structure, a desired capacitance can therefore be maintained. 

What is claimed is:
 1. A method of manufacturing a semiconductor device, comprising: (a) forming a first conductor over a semiconductor substrate; (b) forming a first insulating film over said first conductor; and (c) after said step (b), heat treating said semiconductor substrate in an atmosphere containing water and hydrogen.
 2. A method according to claim 1, wherein said first conductor is not oxidized after said step (c).
 3. A method according to claim 1, wherein said first insulating film is oxidized after said step (c).
 4. A method according to claim 1, wherein said first insulating film is crystallized after said step (c).
 5. A method according to claim 1, wherein a partial pressure ratio of said water to hydrogen in said step (c) is almost 1:1.
 6. A method according to claim 1, wherein said first conductor is made of a platinum group metal or copper.
 7. A method according to claim 6, wherein said platinum group metal is a metal selected from platinum (Pt), palladium (Pd), ruthenium (Ru), iridium (Ir) and rhodium (Rh).
 8. A method according to claim 1, wherein said first insulating film of an oxide.
 9. A method according to claim 8, wherein said oxide is selected from Ta₂O₅, Ba_(x)Sr_(1-x)TiO₃, Al₂O₃, TiO₂, HfO₂, ZrO₂, BaTiO₃ and SrTiO₃.
 10. A method of manufacturing a semiconductor device, comprising: (a) forming a first conductor over a semiconductor substrate; (b) forming a second conductor over said first conductor; (c) forming a third conductor over said second conductor; (d) forming a first insulating film over said third conductor; and (e) after said step (d), heat treating said semiconductor substrate in an atmosphere containing water and hydrogen.
 11. A method according to claim 10, wherein said first to third conductors are not oxidized after said step (e).
 12. A method according to claim 10, wherein said first insulating film is oxidized after said step (e).
 13. A method according to claim 10, wherein said first insulating film is crystallized after said step (e).
 14. A method according to claim 10, wherein a partial pressure ratio of said water to hydrogen in said step (e) is almost 1:1.
 15. A method according to claim 10, wherein said first conductor is made of polycrystalline silicon and said second conductor is made of tungsten and tungsten nitride.
 16. A method according to claim 10, wherein said first conductor is made of tungsten and said second conductor is made of tungsten and tungsten nitride.
 17. A method according to claim 10, wherein said first conductor is made of silicon-containing tungsten and said second conductor is made of tungsten and tungsten nitride.
 18. A method according to claim 10, wherein said first conductor is a platinum group metal or copper.
 19. A method according to claim 18, wherein said platinum group metal is a metal selected from platinum (Pt), palladium (Pd), ruthenium (Ru), iridium (Ir) and rhodium (Rh).
 20. A method according to claim 10, wherein said first insulating film of an oxide.
 21. A method according to claim 20, wherein said oxide is selected from Ta₂O₅, Ba_(x)Sr_(1-x)TiO₃, Al₂O₃, TiO₂, HfO₂, ZrO₂, BaTiO₃ and SrTiO₃.
 22. A method of manufacturing a semiconductor device having, over a semiconductor substrate, a memory cell having a plurality of memory cell selecting MISFETs made of a source, a drain and a gate and a plurality of information storage capacitive elements, comprising: (a) forming a first conductor electrically connected with either a source or drain of said MISFET; (b) forming a second conductor over said first conductor; (c) forming a third conductor over said second conductor; (d) forming a first insulating film over said third conductor; (e) heat treating said semiconductor substrate in an atmosphere containing water and hydrogen; and (f) forming a fourth conductor over said first insulating film.
 23. A method according to claim 22, wherein said third conductor, first insulating film and fourth conductor constitute said information storage capacitive element.
 24. A method according to claim 22, wherein said first to third conductors are not oxidized after said step (e).
 25. A method according to claim 22, wherein said first insulating film is oxidized after said step (e).
 26. A method according to claim 22, wherein said first insulating film is crystallized after said step (e).
 27. A method according to claim 22, wherein a partial pressure ratio of said water to hydrogen is substantially 1:1 in said step (e).
 28. A method according to claim 22, wherein said first conductor is made of polycrystalline silicon and said second conductor is made of tungsten and tungsten nitride.
 29. A method according to claim 22, wherein said first conductor is made of tungsten and said second conductor is made of tungsten and tungsten nitride.
 30. A method according to claim 22, wherein said first conductor is made of silicon-containing tungsten and said second conductor is made of tungsten and tungsten nitride.
 31. A method according to claim 22, wherein said first conductor is a platinum group metal or copper.
 32. A method according to claim 22, wherein said platinum group metal is a metal selected from platinum (Pt), palladium (Pd), ruthenium (Ru), iridium (Ir) and rhodium (Rh).
 33. A method according to claim 22, wherein said first insulating film is an oxide.
 34. A method according to claim 33, wherein said oxide is selected from Ta₂O₅, Ba_(x)Sr_(1-x)TiO₃, Al₂O₃, TiO₂, HfO₂, ZrO₂, BaTiO₃ and SrTiO₃.
 35. A method of manufacturing a semiconductor device, comprising: (a) forming a first conductor over a semiconductor substrate; (b) forming a first insulating film over said first conductor; and (c) heat treating said semiconductor substrate at 200 to 400° C. in an atmosphere containing water and hydrogen.
 36. A method according to claim 35, further comprising: (d) forming a second insulating film over said semiconductor substrate and first insulating film; and (e) forming an interconnect over said second insulating film.
 37. A method according to claim 36, wherein said step (c) is conducted between said steps (b) and (d).
 38. A method of manufacturing a semiconductor device, comprising: (a) forming a first conductor over a semiconductor substrate; (b) forming a second conductor over said first conductor; (c) forming a third conductor over said second conductor; (d) forming a first insulating film over said third conductor; and (e) heat treating said semiconductor substrate at 200 to 400° C. in an atmosphere containing water and hydrogen.
 39. A method according to claim 38, further comprising: (f) forming a second insulating film over said semiconductor substrate and first insulating film; and (g) forming an interconnect over said second insulating film.
 40. A method according to claim 39, wherein said step (e) is conducted between said steps (d) and (f).
 41. A method of manufacturing a semiconductor device having, over a semiconductor substrate, a memory cell having a plurality of memory cell selecting MISFETs made of a source, a drain and a gate and a plurality of information storage capacitive elements, comprising: (a) forming a first conductor electrically connected with either a source or drain of said MISFET; (b) forming a second conductor over said first conductor; (c) forming a third conductor over said second conductor; (d) forming a first insulating film over said third conductor; (e) heat treating said semiconductor substrate at 200 to 400° C. in an atmosphere containing water and hydrogen; and (f) forming a fourth conductor over said first insulating film.
 42. A method according to claim 41, further comprising: (g) forming a second insulating film over said semiconductor substrate and fourth conductor; and (h) forming an interconnect over said second insulating film.
 43. A method according to claim 42, wherein said step (e) is conducted between said steps (d) and (g).
 44. A method of manufacturing a semiconductor device, comprising: (a) forming a first conductor over a semiconductor substrate; (b) forming a first insulating film over said first conductor; and (c) after said step (b), heat treating said semiconductor substrate under conditions permitting oxidation of said first insulating film but not permitting oxidation of said first conductor film.
 45. A method according to claim 44, wherein heat treatment of said step (c) is conducted in an atmosphere containing water and hydrogen.
 46. A method according to claim 1, wherein heat treatment of said step (c) is conducted at 200 to 400° C.
 47. A method of manufacturing a semiconductor device, comprising: (a) forming a first conductor over a semiconductor substrate; (b) forming a first insulating film over said first conductor; and (c) after said step (b), heat treating said semiconductor substrate in an atmosphere containing water and hydrogen, wherein a partial pressure ratio([H₂O]/[H₂]) of said water to said hydrogen exceeds a partial pressure ratio ([H₂O_(eq1)]/[H₂]_(eq1)) of H₂O to H₂ at the time when System 1 (said first insulating film+H₂) and System 2 (a metal constituting said first insulating film+H₂O) form an equilibrium at said heat treating temperature, and becomes below a partial pressure ratio ([H₂O_(eq2)]/[H₂]_(eq2)) of H₂O to H₂ at the time when System 3 (oxide of said first conductor+H₂) and System 4 (said first conductor+H₂O) form an equilibrium at said temperature.
 48. A method according to claim 47, wherein said first conductor is a platinum group metal or copper.
 49. A method according to claim 8, wherein said oxide is Ta₂O₅.
 50. A method of manufacturing a semiconductor device, comprising: (a) forming a first conductor over a semiconductor substrate; (b) forming a second conductor over said first conductor; (c) forming a third conductor over said second conductor; (d) forming a first insulating film over said third conductor; and (e) after said step (d), heat treating said semiconductor substrate in an atmosphere containing water and hydrogen, wherein a partial pressure ratio ([H₂O]/[H₂]) of said water to said hydrogen exceeds a partial pressure ratio ([H₂O_(eq1)]/[H₂]_(eq1)) of H₂O to H₂ at the time when System 1 (said insulating film+H₂) and System 2 (a metal constituting said first insulating film+H₂O) form an equilibrium at said heat treating temperature, and becomes below a partial pressure ratio ([H₂O_(eq2)]/[H₂]_(eq2)) of H₂O to H₂ at the time when System 3 (oxide of said first conductor+H₂) and System 4 (said first conductor+H₂O) form an equilibrium at said temperature.
 51. A method according to claim 50, wherein said first conductor is made of a platinum group metal or copper.
 52. A method according to claim 50, wherein said oxide is Ta₂O₅.
 53. A method according to claim 50, wherein said first conductor is made of tungsten.
 54. A semiconductor device, comprising: (a) a first conductor formed over a semiconductor substrate; (b) a second conductor formed over said first conductor; (c) a third conductor formed over said second conductor; and (d) a first insulating film formed over said third conductor, wherein said third or second conductor is made of a material which is not easier to oxidize than a metal constituting said first insulating film in an atmosphere containing water and hydrogen.
 55. A semiconductor device according to claim 54, wherein said first conductor is made of polycrystalline silicon and said second conductor is made of tungsten and tungsten nitride.
 56. A semiconductor device according to claim 54, wherein said first conductor is made of tungsten and said second conductor is made of tungsten and tungsten nitride.
 57. A semiconductor device, comprising: (a) a first conductor formed over a semiconductor substrate; (b) a second conductor formed over said first conductor; (c) a third conductor formed over said second conductor; and (d) a first insulating film formed over said third conductor, wherein said first conductor is made of silicon-containing tungsten and said second conductor is made of tungsten and tungsten nitride. 